About Florence Oregon
Explore the beauty and history of the Central Coast.
Florence
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Florence in Photos
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Top Attractions in Florence
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Stretching 40 miles south from Florence, these are the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. Visitors can hike, ride dune buggies, or sandboard down slopes that tower up to 500 feet above sea level.
Recreation passes required for some areas. Rentals available in town.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Perched 205 feet above the ocean, this working lighthouse casts its beam 21 miles out to sea. It is the brightest light on the Oregon coast and offers stunning views, tours of the keeper's house, and scenic hiking trails.
State Park parking fee ($5). Tours available seasonally.
Sea Lion Caves
America's largest sea cave and a year-round home for Steller sea lions. An elevator descends 200 feet through solid rock to the massive cavern, where visitors can watch sea lions, sea birds, and whales in their natural habitat.
Located 11 miles north. Entry fee required.
Historic Old Town Florence
A charming riverfront district located below the Siuslaw River Bridge. Walk the boardwalk, browse art galleries, shop for antiques, and enjoy fresh seafood while watching the river flow by.
Free parking. Great spot for dining and souvenirs.
Siuslaw River Bridge
Designed by legendary bridge architect Conde B. McCullough, this 1936 Art Deco bascule bridge is an architectural gem. Its four gothic-style towers house the machinery that lifts the span for passing ships.
Walkable sidewalks offer great river views.
Darlingtonia State Natural Site
An 18-acre botanical park dedicated to the preservation of the Cobra Lily (Darlingtonia californica), the only carnivorous plant native to Oregon. Wooden boardwalks allow safe viewing of these fascinating insect-eating plants.
Free admission. Best viewing is in late spring.
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park
Known locally as 'Honeyman,' this park features two freshwater lakes surrounded by sand dunes. It's a favorite spot for camping, swimming, boating, and sliding down the dunes directly into Cleawox Lake.
Day-use fee or state park pass required.
Three Rivers Casino Resort
A major entertainment hub on the coast, offering slots, table games, and live entertainment. The resort also features several restaurants and a golf course nestled in the dunes.
Open 24/7. Shuttle service available from local hotels.
Hiking Trails & Nature
From magical forest tunnels to windswept dunes, Florence offers diverse trails for every adventurer. Explore waterfalls, lakes, and dramatic coastal cliffs.
Hobbit Trail
A magical, moss-draped tunnel trail that leads from the highway through dense forest to a secluded stretch of sandy beach. It feels like stepping into a fantasy novel.
Sweet Creek Falls Trail
A family-friendly trail featuring a series of beautiful waterfalls cascading over mossy rocks. The trail follows the creek with metal catwalks bolted into the canyon walls.
Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail
Starting from the beach, this trail climbs steadily to the lighthouse and continues behind it to a breathtaking viewpoint. Great for spotting migrating whales.
Siltcoos Lake Trail
Wander through lush rainforest and wetlands around the largest lake on the Oregon Coast. It's an excellent spot for birdwatching and enjoying peaceful forest solitude.
Waxmyrtle Trail
Located south of Florence, this trail follows the Siltcoos River estuary out to the beach. It winds through coastal scrub and dunes, offering great wildlife viewing opportunities.
Sutton Trails (Loop)
A diverse trail system winding through dunes, pine forests, and marshlands. It connects the Sutton Campground to the beach, offering a mix of coastal ecosystems.
Nearby Waterfalls
Florence sits at the gateway to some of the Oregon Coast Range's most spectacular waterfall hikes - most visitors drive right past without knowing they're there.
Sweet Creek Falls
A spectacular 2-mile trail featuring 10+ waterfalls, including the stunning 50-foot Sweet Creek Falls. The trail follows the creek through a lush canyon with wooden bridges and viewpoints at every turn.
Pro tip: Trail can be slippery year-round. Some steep sections. Allow 2-3 hours to fully explore. Northwest Forest Pass required.
Upper & Lower Kentucky Falls
Two massive waterfalls in a remote Coast Range canyon. Upper Kentucky Falls drops 80 feet, while Lower Kentucky plunges 100 feet. One of the most rewarding waterfall hikes in Oregon.
Pro tip: Moderately strenuous with some elevation gain. Trail can be muddy and slippery. No facilities at trailhead. Allow 3-4 hours round trip.
Siuslaw Falls
A series of cascades on the North Fork of the Siuslaw River, accessible via several different trails of varying difficulty. Less crowded than Sweet Creek or Kentucky Falls.
Pro tip: Multiple access points - some require river crossings. Best visited in spring for maximum flow. Limited signage.
Mark Your Calendar
Local Events & Festivals
Plan your trip around these upcoming coastal gatherings.
Florence Winter Music Festival
Rhododendron Festival
Flo Fest
Crafts & Classics Festival
Where to Stay in Florence
From oceanfront suites to budget-friendly base camps, find the perfect accommodation for your coastal getaway.
Oceanfront
The only oceanfront hotel in Florence, offering rooms with private balconies directly overlooking the waves. Features an indoor aquatic center and restaurant with sunset views.
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Riverfront
Located in Old Town right on the Siuslaw River. This charming inn offers easy walking access to shops and restaurants, with many rooms featuring river views and balconies.
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Boutique
Perched on a hill overlooking Old Town, this inn offers clean, comfortable rooms with a touch of historic charm. Some rooms feature jacuzzis and views of the bridge.
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Budget/Value
Consistently rated as one of the best values in town. It's clean, friendly, and located just a short walk from the riverfront district.
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Mid-Range
Located across the river from Old Town, offering stunning panoramic views of the bridge and town. Rooms are spacious and modern.
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Resort
For those looking for entertainment, this resort offers modern rooms, multiple dining options, and casino action all under one roof.
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Hotel
Enjoy your stay at Economy Inn Florence located in beautiful Florence. Book now for great rates and comfortable accommodations on the Oregon Coast.
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Hotel
Enjoy your stay at Quality Inn Florence located in beautiful Florence. Book now for great rates and comfortable accommodations on the Oregon Coast.
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* Hotel links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Dining in Florence
From fresh crab eaten directly on the river to upscale dining in converted historic buildings, Florence offers a diverse culinary landscape.
Riverfront Dining
Waterfront Depot
Upscale AmericanHoused in a former train station on the river, this is Florence's premier dining spot. Famous for their Crab-Crusted Alaskan Halibut and intimate, historic atmosphere.
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River views, historic building, reservations recommended.
Mo's Restaurant
Casual SeafoodAn Oregon Coast icon located right on the docks in Old Town. Famous for their clam chowder, panoramic river views, and family-friendly vibe.
Highlight
Famous chowder, outdoor seating, river views.
Novelli's Crab & Seafood
Seafood FloatDining literally *on* the river. This floating eatery serves fresh crab caught by the owner. It doesn't get fresher than this.
Highlight
Floating restaurant, fresh-caught crab, seasonal.
Fresh seafood served with Siuslaw River views
Farm-to-table favorites and global flavors
Local Favorites
Homegrown Public House
GastropubDedicated to farm-to-table dining with a menu that changes with the seasons. They offer excellent vegan and gluten-free options alongside hearty burgers.
Highlight
Local ingredients, craft beer, dietary-friendly.
Bridgewater Fish House
Seafood/SteakA spacious restaurant in Old Town with a large menu featuring everything from zebra fish to ribeye steaks. The rustic-chic decor creates a welcoming ambiance.
Highlight
Large groups welcome, diverse menu, full bar.
The Hukilau
Hawaiian/SushiBringing the aloha spirit to the Oregon Coast. Enjoy fresh sushi, poke bowls, and Hawaiian plate lunches in a fun, tropical setting.
Highlight
Sushi bar, tiki cocktails, island vibes.
1285 Restobar
ItalianA cozy spot in Old Town serving scratch-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and excellent wines. A local favorite for a romantic dinner.
Highlight
Homemade pasta, extensive wine list, cozy atmosphere.
Cafes, Sweets & Light Bites
River Roasters
CafeThe place for coffee connoisseurs. They roast their own beans and offer a cozy space to watch the river fog lift in the morning.
Highlight
House-roasted coffee, river views, pastries.
BJ's Ice Cream
SweetsAn Old Town staple serving massive scoops of Umpqua Dairy ice cream and homemade waffle cones. The smell of baking cones draws you in from the street.
Highlight
Homemade waffle cones, saltwater taffy.
Lovejoy's Restaurant
British Tea RoomA charming English-style tea room and restaurant serving bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, and proper high tea.
Highlight
High tea, British comfort food, eclectic decor.
Nosh Eatery
Casual/EclecticA hip spot offering unique small plates, sliders, and creative cocktails. Great for a light lunch or happy hour.
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Small plates, craft cocktails, modern vibe.
